Abstract:
Acute respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in
children below five years of age. Identification of risk factors for ARI will help in reducing
the burden of disease. Objective of the study was to find out the prevalence and socioeconomic
factors attributing to occurrence of ARI. Cross sectional study was carried out
in an urban slum of Raichur. All the children (451) who were permanent residents and
below 5years of age were included in the study. Prevalence rate of ARI at the time of
survey was 16.6%. Higher prevalence was seen in children with low socio-economic
status (88%), inadequate living condition (31%) and illiterate mothers (64%). Improving
these epidemiological factors will help to reduce the burden of ARI.
